2004 Audi A6 - $83,900EGC

Audi A6

If any car could be described as holding the fort, it is Audi's A6. Launched in 1998 and never really a class leader, its job has become harder with the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in 2002 and a new BMW 5-Series last year.

But, in a display of Audi's relentless push, an all-new A6 has landed to reignite interest. It will have to be good to lure buyers who swing BMW or Benz badges from their key chains.

At first glance, the A6 looks capable of giving things a shake. It is typically handsome, well-proportioned and professional, if a little heavy-looking in the nose. Our only criticism is that the pastiche of A4 and A8 cues give it a slight been-there-done-that feel. The small wheels of the base 2.4 do not do it any favours, either.

However, there's more cabin space front and rear, not to mention the biggest boot in the segment and technology to brag about.

The company's continuously variable transmission is available, the excellent MMI (multi-media interface) system from the upmarket A8 is standard on all models and you can get your A6 with a potent new turbo-diesel V6.

The range kicks off at $83,900 with the 2.4 tested here, powered by a 130 kW 2.4-litre V6 that drives the front wheels through the CVT. Next step up is the 3.0, available in front-drive ($92,900) or AWD quattro ($97,900) forms, with the 3.0 TDi quattro coming in at $100,000. It's a big step up to the $150,000 4.2 quattro, which sports a powerful 246 kW 4.2-litre V8.

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As a bottom-end fighter the 2.4 has a lot going for it. It costs about $3500 and $8600 less, respectively, than its BMW and Benz rivals, is competitive in the size and power departments and well equipped, with climate control, leather trim, MMI system and colour monitor, trip computer, CD stacker, eight airbags, ABS and stability control standard.

The A6's cabin ups the ante. Design is superb and quality - as evidenced by lavish touches such as aluminium-trimmed wood panels - is visibly ahead of its rivals. The driving position is highly adjustable, though the seats are flat and lack support, there's stretching space in abundance and the back seat is roomy and comfortable.

Smooth and sophisticated the cabin might be, but it does not take long to discover a glaring pockmark in the facade. The low-speed ride is fidgety and trips up over potholes and sharp surface changes, and lacks the effortless compliance one expects of a luxury car.

It's all the more disappointing in light of the 2.4's polished drivetrain. Like most small-capacity sixes, the Audi's 2.4-litre V6 needs a decent prod for urgent response, but the CVT gearbox harnesses power effectively, even if it is sluggish from a standstill. Once moving, though, there's no gearchanges to get in the way, so acceleration is simply one smooth, linear shove from standstill to target speed. Fuel economy is excellent.

Out on the highway the A6 gets its act together. The ride smooths out and the engine's relaxed cruising demeanour, the low levels of wind, tyre and mechanical noise and gem of a sound system, ensure long stints don't tire bodies or frazzle minds.

The 2.4, however, does not outdrive its rivals. The steering is light and lacking in feel, and while the front-drive set-up provides good grip and respectable cornering response, it's not as sharp and dynamic as some.

Buyers raised on a diet of sharp yet unruffled rear-drive vehicles will not like the Audi's bland road manners. For real satisfaction, you will have to fork out for a quattro.

So where does that leave the 2.4 in the middleweight titlefight? In much the same position, disappointingly, as before.

While Audi has stepped up the game in styling, cabin space and all-round value, the 2.4 doesn't quite have the dynamic abilities it should.